Revitalizing - Sanford Wanner

September 06, 1989

Why would a retired Marine lieutenant colonel with a background in education and finance leave his job as finance director of Williamsbur-James City County public schools to become general manager of the James City County Service Authority?

"It gave me an opportunity to revitalize a public business," says Sanford Wanner, who made that move in August 1985. "It also gave me an opportunity to be my own boss."

Wanner supervises the 44 employees who provide water to 5,500 county residents and sewer services to 7,500. He is also responsible for the 50 employees who work in the county's landfill, dumpster and facility maintenance programs.

He says he's never regretted his decision and lists revitalizing the Service Authority by having better trained people as one of his greatest accomplishments. He cites other accomplishments in which he's been involved as construction of the James City-Williamsburg Recreation Center and the Service Authority building at the county government center, and the population study he co-authored when he was with the school system.

Wanner is also proud of his work as board chairman of Child Development Resources and the improvements of the agency's services offered to preschool handicapped children and their families.

Family: Two daughters.

Hometown: Born in West Orange, N.J., but I consider Fanwood, N.J., my hometown.

What makes me tick: Accomplishing things for others by organizing people properly. People are the key.

Motto: Do your best. Work should be fun; no job is worth your health.

Turning point in my life: In the Marines I learned about being responsible for others, not just myself.

Greatest asset: Ability to work with people.

Worst fear: Letting people down; not living up to someone's expectations.

Bad habit: Biting my fingernails.

Pet peeve: People who say "That's not my job."

Hobbies: Reading.

Restaurants: Vancosta's, Nick's, the Trellis, the Back Fin Seafood Restaurant.

Foods: Steak, prime rib, lobster.

Vacation spots: Nags Head.

TV programs: I'm a news freak.

Radio station: WKEZ.

Movies: "Gone With the Wind."

Magazines: I prefer newspapers; I read five a day.

Music: Country and western, light classical.

Five-year goal: To get a permit for Ware Creek Reservoir. To have the Service Authority receive the national recognition is deserves.